Devouring Evolution: I Reborn as an Arctic Wolf Chapter 4: Chapter 4 The Wolf Pack is Surprised.
Previously on Devouring Evolution: I Reborn as an Arctic Wolf...
To transport the remaining four Arctic Rabbits back to the den, Su Lin had to make two separate trips.
As he dropped the quartet of Arctic Rabbits before his cousin, Wolf Sister, and the other cubs, he caught the visible amazement in their eyes. They let out admiring howls of awe at the sight.
Being part of the Wolf Clan, Arctic Wolves are mammals that, while possessing a level of intelligence, cannot be compared to humans. Therefore, the fact that his sister and cousin could even display this much surprise and respect exceeded Su Lin's expectations.
Complex emotions like total disbelief or profound shock were likely still the exclusive domain of humans at this stage of evolution.
"Ao."
Su Lin gave a low growl and tossed the carcass of an Arctic Rabbit cub toward them. Since he was the one who had secured the kill, his sister and the others likely wouldn't have dared to take a bite without his explicit signal.
With his permission granted, the young wolves began to feast as if it were the greatest moment of their lives. The little orphan wolf, in particular, ate with incredible intensity.
Su Lin, who was resting to recover his stamina, noticed the orphan wolf even trying to steal meat from his smaller cousin. He rose and, with a swift swipe of his paw, sent the orphan wolf tumbling three or four meters away.
"You've turned against me."
Su Lin let out an angry howl. The combination of the furious roar and the heavy impact of the strike caused the orphan wolf to scramble up and immediately begin whimpering in a panicked apology.
"Ao ao ao."
The law of the jungle, where the strong are revered, was once again perfectly demonstrated. After whining for a bit and seeing that Su Lin had calmed down to rest back in the den, the orphan wolf cautiously approached the Arctic Rabbit again.
This time, it didn't dare entertain a single thought of theft. After nibbling a few pieces of fresh meat, it slunk back. It was clear that the cub, who had previously been the bully among them, had learned its lesson. Its fearful eyes were also clouded with a touch of confusion.
It couldn't comprehend how the little runt, who once struggled even to stand, could now overpower it so effortlessly. Furthermore, Su Lin had grown significantly larger than it. Those small eyes were filled with bewilderment, but no one offered an explanation.
Su Lin certainly wasn't going to tell him. Watching the orphan wolf retreat, he thought, "Hmph, at least you know your place."
The prey he had selected earlier was an adult female Arctic Rabbit. Weighing more than ten pounds, it was more than enough to sate the hunger of his cousin and Wolf Sister. By the time that one rabbit was finished, the four cubs all had round, full bellies. Su Lin kept the remaining two Arctic Rabbit cubs aside for Wolf Mother.
....
Time passed quickly, and evening soon arrived. The Arctic nights were even harsher than the days, marked by winds that chilled to the bone.
Wolf Dad, Wolf Mother, and several other members of the pack trudged back, exhausted from the hunt. Wolf Mother was in a foul mood. Today had been another day of meager rewards with no live prey caught. They had only managed to scavenge half a seal carcass left behind by a Polar Bear.
The Wolf Pack currently consisted of eight adult Arctic Wolves—three males and five females. Half a seal was nowhere near enough to satisfy their hunger; it barely compensated for the energy spent during the hunt. Her own offspring would have to go hungry tonight.
"Ao!"
Distressed by this realization, Wolf Mother let out a frustrated roar. If this scarcity continued, the Wolf Pack might not survive. Moving south would be better, as large herbivores like Arctic reindeer were plentiful there. However, migrating with young cubs was a massive risk. Additionally, that territory was home to more Grizzly Bears and Polar Bears. While the pack could handle one bear, facing two would be a desperate struggle.
Wolf Mother remained torn by hesitation. Suddenly, her nose twitched as she caught the scent of fresh blood coming from the cave. Only the cubs were supposed to be inside.
"Awooo! Awooo!"
At Wolf Mother’s urgent howls, the entire pack snapped to attention. Immediately, Wolf Mother, Wolf Father, and the other adults charged toward the cave like they had gone mad.
"Awooo!"
Wolf Father, as the Lead Wolf, let out a roar thick with killing intent. Inside, the cubs—who were full and resting—bolted upright in fear at the sound of the familiar, yet terrifying roar. Su Lin was no exception. He wondered if his parents had encountered an enemy and quickly rushed toward the cave entrance.
"Awooo!"
With a Strength of 60 and high Speed, Wolf Father burst through the entrance. His white paws struck the ground with such force that shards of rock went flying.
"This...."
Su Lin froze in confusion as he saw his enraged father looking for an enemy that wasn't there. He looked baffled, while Wolf Sister and his cousin trembled behind him in fear. Seconds later, Wolf Mother and the rest of the pack burst in. They scanned the area, and only after seeing the cubs were unharmed did their bristling fur begin to settle.
"Awooo!"
With a soft growl, Wolf Mother began to lick Su Lin repeatedly. She was relieved they were safe, but the heavy scent of blood in the cave still lingered.
"Awooo."
Realizing why his parents had been so furious, Su Lin gave a low growl and dragged the two remaining Arctic Rabbits out from the depths of the cave. Wolf Mother leaned down to sniff them. They were fresh. Was the blood scent from these? But where did they come from? Arctic Rabbits were notoriously hard to catch. Could the cubs have done it?
Wolf Mother looked at Su Lin with questioning eyes.
"Awooo!" Su Lin howled in response.
At that moment, the parents didn't move to eat the two rabbit cubs. While they would be a good meal for Wolf Mother, they wouldn't amount to much if shared among the whole pack. Instead, the eyes of every wolf were fixed curiously on Su Lin. He was only a month old; how could he already be hunting Arctic Rabbits alone? His growth rate was alarmingly fast. If it continued, he would soon surpass them all. The gaze of the pack members toward Su Lin had shifted significantly.
"Awooo!"
Wolf Mother growled softly, being the first to look away. This was her pup, after all; she was simply amazed by his development and thought nothing more of it. She took one of the rabbit cubs to a corner; having recently given birth, she desperately needed the nourishment.
Once Su Lin and the other cubs indicated they were completely full, Wolf Father tossed the final rabbit cub to the other females. As for the male wolves, they simply returned to their spots in the cave to sleep, knowing that rest was the most efficient way to preserve their strength.